Published June 29, 2025 by www.u.af
The FIFA Club World Cup continued to thrill fans this weekend in the United States, with Chelsea and Palmeiras advancing to the quarter-finals after two unforgettable knockout clashes.
Despite taking very different routes to victory, both the European and South American giants now set up a blockbuster quarter-final showdown, reigniting a rivalry that dates back to their 2021 final meeting.
Palmeiras Survives Brazilian Battle in Philadelphia
Saturday’s action kicked off at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, where Palmeiras faced fellow Brazilian side Botafogo in a tightly contested match.
It was a tense affair with few clear chances, and after 90 minutes of stalemate, it was Palmeiras who finally broke through in extra time. Their 1–0 win not only highlighted the depth of Brazilian football but also secured them a date with Chelsea in the next round.
Chelsea Overcomes Benfica in Five-Hour Epic
Later that evening in Charlotte’s Bank of America Stadium, Chelsea defeated Portuguese club Benfica 4–1 in a match that had everything—goals, drama, and even a weather delay.
Reece James opened the scoring with a stunning free-kick before severe thunderstorms suspended the game for nearly two hours. When play resumed, Benfica drew level with a penalty from Ángel Di María, but a red card shifted momentum squarely in Chelsea’s favor.
With Benfica down to ten men, Chelsea took control in extra time. Goals from Christopher Nkunku, Andrey Santos, and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall sealed a comprehensive victory, underscoring the Premier League club’s depth and mental toughness.
A Blockbuster Quarter-Final Awaits
The highly anticipated quarter-final between Chelsea and Palmeiras will be a rematch of the 2021 Club World Cup final—won by Chelsea 2–1. Fans can expect another intense battle as both clubs aim for global glory in this expanded 32-team tournament.
Sunday’s Showdowns: Messi Faces PSG, Bayern Meet Flamengo
Sunday’s fixtures promise even more fireworks as Inter Miami, led by Lionel Messi, prepare to take on his former club Paris Saint-Germain. Later in the evening, Flamengo will face German giants Bayern Munich in Miami Gardens.
With world-class talent on display and global stakes on the line, the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup is quickly becoming a must-watch spectacle.
Afghanistan Broadcast Note: Viewers in Afghanistan can catch all the action live on ATN, which holds exclusive broadcasting rights for Sunday’s matches. Inter Miami vs. PSG airs at 8:00 PM Kabul time, followed by Flamengo vs. Bayern Munich at midnight.
